George H.W. Bush

We removed the arbitrary timetables for withdraw and the restrictions on our military commanders that some in Congress had supported.

You know, welcoming people here who want to work and realize the American dream renews our spirit and soul. It's been the case throughout generations. And we have an opportunity to put a good law in place now.

... grand political theater.

I would hope that they would recognize that the results would be catastrophic. But this is a sovereign nation, Martha. We are there at their request.

I would hope the Senate and the Congress would move expeditiously to finish their hearings.

Failure in Iraq will cause generations to suffer, in my judgment. Al Qaeda will be emboldened.

It could be a bloody -- it could be a very difficult August.

We removed the arbitrary timetables for withdrawal and the restrictions on our military commanders that some in Congress have supported.

I would like to see us in a different configuration at some point in time in Iraq.

The enemy in Vietnam had neither the intent nor the capability to strike our homeland. The enemy in Iraq does.

His message to Senate Democrats: get back to legislative work.

America will change our strategy to help the Iraqis carry out their campaign to put down sectarian violence and bring security to the people of Baghdad. This will require increasing American force levels.

This is a bill where people who live here in our country will be treated will be treated without amnesty, but without animosity.

I urge the Senate to act favorably on U.S. accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention during this session of Congress.

They have got to speed up their clock.

Tonight, the president said leaving Iraq would embolden al Qaeda, embolden Iran, and threaten future generations of America.

I want you to know I see the impending dangers. I understand the consequences of this historic moment. And we will succeed in Iraq.

I spent time talking with them about what it meant to fail and what it means when we succeed.

Time's running out, because, the longer we wait, the more strain we are going to put on the military.

Your majesty, I appreciate your leadership during these times of danger and decision.

The question is, who ought to make that decision? The Congress or the commanders? And as you know my position is clear, I'm a commander guy.

I'm a commander guy.

But slowly but surely, the truth will be known. Either we'll succeed or we won't succeed.

And the definition of success, as I described, is, you know, sectarian violence down. Success is not no violence.

Yesterday was the day that highlighted differences. Today's the day where we can work together to find common ground.